Debt 'does not cause break-ups'

The research suggests people are more comfortable with debt

Fewer than one in 10 people would consider ending a relationship if they discovered their partner had built up secret debts, a new survey suggests.

Nearly 80% said they would forgive a partner who confessed to building up large debts and would help them to sort out their finances.

Credit monitoring service MyCallcredit says it indicates Britons are becoming more comfortable with debt.

Most people said they are open with their partner about their finances.

The findings also suggests that people are generally honest about money matters, reported BBC personal finance reporter Richard Scott.

Public awareness

Two thirds of those surveyed by MyCallcredit said they told their partner everything with only one in seven keeping their other half completely in the dark.

Just one in 10 admitted to lying to their partner about their finances.

The most recent data from the Bank of England shows UK consumers are becoming more cautious.

In December, consumer debt - spending on things such as credit card and bank loans - grew at its slowest rate since 1994.

The Citizens Advice Bureau and Consumer Credit Counselling Service said their debt advice lines had received more calls than normal in the post-Christmas period.

But the organisations put the increase down to greater public awareness that help is available.